British Parliament passes symbolic motion to recognise Palestine as a state

William James

London: British members of parliament have voted in favour of recognising Palestine as a state, in a move which will not alter the government's stance on the issue, but which carries symbolic value for Palestinians in their pursuit of international recognition.

Britain does not classify Palestine as a state, but says it could do so at any time if it believed it would help peace efforts between the Palestinians and Israel.

Different sides: Young Jewish men argue with pro-Palestinian supporters before the vote in the British Parliament. Photo: AFP

Prime Minister David Cameron abstained from the vote, which was called by an opposition politician, and Cameron's spokesman earlier said that foreign policy would not be affected whatever the outcome.

However, the vote was closely watched by Palestinian and Israeli authorities who are seeking to gauge European countries' readiness to act on Palestinian hopes for unilateral recognition by UN member states.

Support: A London taxi drives by as pro-Palestinian supporters position a giant banner calling for a recognised Palestinian state. Photo: AFP

The final motion, which passed by 274 votes to 12 stated: "That this house believes that the government should recognise the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel as a contribution to securing a negotiated two-state solution."

The vote comes just as Sweden's new centre-left government is set to officially recognise Palestine, a move that has been condemned by Israel, which says an independent Palestine can only be achieved through negotiations.